Learn the stories behind the creative and diverse projects of Community Connections, grouped in thematic chapters and illustrated with lush imagery by some of the region’s top young photographers:
The book was designed by the award-winning Pittsburgh-based firm Landesberg Design.
In 2008, Southwestern Pennsylvania united to mark its 250th anniversary. As part of the celebration, Community Connections supported a collection of 100 diverse and vibrant community projects.
With ingenuity and determination, civic leaders and volunteers constructed public art icons, cut environmental pathways, recorded regional lore, and heightened social responsibility.
Making the Connections amplifies the voices of these grassroots innovators through compelling stories that demonstrate how civic engagement connects American communities.
Each day during the week of April 13th, The Sprout Fund podcast interviews with project managers and released text and audio excerpts from the book, including a conversation with the author, Justin Hopper.
Finally, on Friday, April 17th, Sprout welcomed more than 150 participants, supporters, and friends to a happy hour and book release party at the Shadow Lounge in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh. Thanks to all those who came out in support!
Follow the links below to sample a few compelling stories from Making the Connections then order a copy for yourself today!
Fisherman’s Tale found the perfect lure to bring homebound seniors from Pittsburgh neighborhoods out to the great outdoors, and into conversations about health and wellness.
When Bedford turned 250 last year, the living-history center near its famous fort added versatility and verisimilitude—assuring it’ll be an American history destination for generations to come.
The Allegheny Front interviewed citizens across the region to document the relationship between this region’s people and the environment—from steel mills and mines to creeks and streams.
Justin Hopper spent the last year documenting Community Connections projects. Find out more about the Pennsylvania places, Pittsburgh pride, and the passionate people that made 2008 pop.
Pittsburgh 250 Community Connections was championed by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and supported by a diverse array of private foundations, corporations, and community foundations from across the Greater Pittsburgh region. Learn more about these generous contributors.
Community Connections was a grassroots initiative of Pittsburgh 250 that supported 100 compelling initiatives that engaged citizens, addressed pressing issues, left a lasting impact on communities, and contributed to the “Pride & Progress” of Southwestern Pennsylvania in 2008. Developed by established and emerging civic leaders, these projects created a critical mass of grassroots activity throughout the anniversary year. More than 500 funding requests were received and decisions were made by regional and local panels representative of all 14 counties. Most Regional Projects received awards of $50,000 to catalyze their efforts, while most Grassroots Projects received $5,000.